Deeper Discussion

Learning Goal: Students will identify ways they can respond to the news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Point out that both Mary and Joseph had to respond to some very unexpected circumstances in their lives: Mary responded to Gabriel’s announcement that she had been chosen to be Jesus’ mother by submitting to God’s plan; Joseph responded to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy by choosing to trust God’s plan by marrying Mary despite the pregnancy and becoming Jesus’ earthly father. Say: Although we won’t have to make the same difficult decisions that Mary and Joseph made, we will have to decide what we believe about Jesus and how that belief will change our lives. Divide students into groups of three to four students to discuss these questions:

• How did Mary’s understanding of and belief in God give her confidence to obey Him despite the unexpected circumstances?
• When we distrust God’s word and calling in our lives, whom are we placing in control of our lives instead of Him?
• How did Mary’s obedience display her belief that she belonged to God, and His will was preeminent?
• What do our actions reveal about our priorities in life when we make our own happiness our main priority?

After discussion, call students together and emphasize that Scripture clearly tells us that Jesus is God’s Son and the Messiah who came to earth to save people from their sins and reconcile them to God. Encourage students to embrace God’s Son and His plan for salvation for themselves and to then offer their lives in service to God. Conclude by praying that students will seek and submit to God’s plan for their lives as they serve Him each day.